Rust on ratchets?

[1fastvx]

I cleaned up some old tool boxes and came across some of my dads old Craftsman ratchets and extensions. Since they are real old they have a bit of surface rust on them. What is the best method of getting the rust of without ruining the finish?

Thanks,

John

 

[HandyManny]

00 or 000 steelwool. Can be used dry, with gun oil, or 3-in-1 oil. Just buff it with light even pressure. Slight surface rust harms nothing, corrosion is what you have to worry about.

 

[dustin19]

extreamly fine wet/dry sandpaper with oil of some sort also works and wont leave heavy scratch marks if u use the right grain

 

[48548]

Evaporust!!!!!

 

[Stuart in MN]

It's always best to start out with gentle cleaners before you move up to abrasives - if the surface rust is minor, try some chrome or metal polish on a rag, something like Flitz or Simichrome works well. If you don't have anything like that handy, even an auto polish/wax like Turtle Wax will probably take it off.

 

[307WYLD]

Evaporust!!!!!

+10

 

[tj90]

Use aluminum foil and coke (or diet coke). The amuminum foil is strong enough to knock down the rust with the phosphoric acid acting as a mild chemical agent. The foil is not hard enough to scratch the chrome plating if you rub with medium pressure.

I just restored an old redline bmx bike that had moderate surface rusting. Looks good as new. If the rust has penetrated the chrome, you are screwed. All you can do is knock down the rust and wax or oil to prevent more rust from forming.

Try it - it works amazingly well.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Wire wheel on the bench grinder, nothing else even comes close!

 

[pjcforpres2020]

I was waiting for a wire wheel comment...

Try some WD-40 or PB, if that doesn't work, try some naval jelly, if that still doesn't work, bust out the wire brushes, either elbow grease powered or bench grinder powered

http://paint-and-supplies.hardwares...ippers/naval-jelly-rust-dissolver-610532.aspx

that is the naval jelly safe for chrome

 

[Uncle Buck]

I was waiting for a wire wheel comment...

Well of course, you had to know that sooner or later I would appear with the right answer!

 

[caper]

I was holding back wondering how long it would take you to show up and say wire wheel.

 

[pjcforpres2020]

Well of course, you had to know that sooner or later I would appear with the right answer!

This is true! Can't wait to see the wire wheel in action!

 

[WNYflyer]

I just recently cleaned up a ton of my grandfather's old tools that have been sitting in the corners of my garage for quite a awhile. A relative told me to use steel wool dipped in "DL Handcleaner" by Permatex. Worked fantastic for me primarily because it cleaned/de-greased while also removing most of the rust. For stubborn rust and hard to reach places I used Evaporust also. I think I saw DL handcleaner for good price of about $1.50 in Autozone the other day.

 

[snapmom]

It depends on if there is any plating under the rust, as to what method is best. Sometimes the wheel is the best method.

 

[Uncle Buck]

It depends on if there is any plating under the rust, as to what method is best. Sometimes the wheel is the best method.

I would totally agree with this statement, which I must admit I rarely find common ground with many on this issue. However, I will readily agree that this statement is entirely true.

 

[stevejh82]

Just got my grinder with wire wheel hauled into the garage and ready for action, oh the humanity. With you 100% UB

 

[HandyManny]

I've also had good luck with No.2 pencil erasers. Works great for small surface rust spots on shotguns.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I've also had good luck with No.2 pencil erasers. Works great for small surface rust spots on shotguns.

I will try that one.

 

[sk farmer]

I've also had good luck with No.2 pencil erasers. Works great for small surface rust spots on shotguns.

ub,how you gonna get a pencil eraser mounted on your bench grinder?

 

[rhastings80]

Evaporust!!!!!

Take it apart first and then Evaporust, rise with water, dry good and then lube.

 

[Uncle Buck]

ub,how you gonna get a pencil eraser mounted on your bench grinder?

That is what I have the lathe for. I will just spin out a handy dandy adapter to hold the pencil eraser! Whip that out and I will be erasing everything in sight baby!

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

pics.. please...

 

[HandyManny]

ub,how you gonna get a pencil eraser mounted on your bench grinder?

You don't. It's supposed to be used by hand for small areas of rust clean-up.